In this edition:
For over three decades in education, Bill McDonough has been helping students discover their voice, build confidence, and shape their future. Through robotics, he created what he calls a “seven-year internship for the real world,” a program where students learn not just to build robots but to build resilience, leadership, and skills that carry into every corner of life.
When Bill first brought robotics to his Connecticut school, he didn’t have a ready-made team or parts. However, he had a vision and a box of ice cream to recruit students. That modest start grew into a powerhouse program: today, more than 150 middle and high school students crowd his workshop, building, coding, testing, failing, and trying again. Over the years, approximately 450 robotics students have passed through his school’s doors, and at least one team has competed at the VEX Robotics World Championship for the last thirteen years.
The RECF Industry Certifications program is a response to a global need for more students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The RECF provides industry certifications for students in engineering-related programs and robotics clubs. These certifications were designed by a team of accomplished professionals composed of engineers, college professors, and high school teachers.
For 17-year-old Mathias Paramel, what began as a hobby building radio-controlled (RC) planes has evolved into a passion for robotics, automation, and aviation. “My dad and I used to build drones together,” he recalls. “Then I started watching creators on YouTube, learned to build my first RC plane from foam board, and realized I wanted to keep creating things that move.”
That curiosity led Mathias to join the VEX Robotics program at St. Andrew’s International School in Bangkok, part of the global community supported by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. Under the mentorship of Coach Rob Parker, Mathias quickly went from a newcomer to a seasoned team leader, guiding his peers to the finals of Thailand’s National Championships.
When Ifeoluwa Ogunfolu’s guidance counselor suggested she try joining a drone team, she never imagined drones would play such a defining role in her education and career path. Now a junior at Texas A&M University studying Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technologies, she was recently hired as a Regional Support Specialist for the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. Ifeoluwa is inspiring the next generation of students to take flight through the Aerial Drone Competition.
Ifeoluwa’s introduction to drones began through her high school’s JROTC program. During her freshman year, classes were impacted by the pandemic, limiting opportunities for extracurricular activities. The following year, she explored dance but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. After guidance from her counselor, she joined the JROTC team AFJROTC(TX-924), a decision that would shape her academic and career path.
Since 2022, the Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. has partnered with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation to bring hands-on, classroom-based learning to life through the Factory Automation Competition and VEX Robotics Competition. This collaboration is equipping educators and inspiring students to build critical skills that drive future workforce success.
Thanks to its generous support in 2025, 18 new teams have been introduced across Texas and Alabama, expanding opportunities for many students. A local coach said, “The grant was much appreciated. We expanded the number of teams and doubled the number of girls in our program last year. We look forward to more growth.” These new teams represent more than just robots. They symbolize curiosity, teamwork, and the promise of brighter futures in STEM academics and careers.
Hear more about current highlights of RECF programs and participants. See some of the most recent stories about our teams, events, and partnerships here:
